Climbing Gear

It is fair to say that climbing gear and equipment has come a long way since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay found themselves at the top of the world, on the summit of Mount Everest in May of1953.

One wonders how they did it really, with the primitive equipment that was then available to them. Although climbing the biggest mountains remains a worthy and dangerous challenge, thanks to the advancement in technology, conquering these giants has become a much more frequent occurrence.

A climber has to exercise a lot of faith in the climbing gear he or she uses and therefore it is important to be confident in the equipment of choice.

Let’s have a quick glance at some of the essentials in a climber’s arsenal

• Helmet – As with most extreme sports a helmet can be a life saver. Any sort of debris falling from above is a real danger and the protective helmet is the first line of defence.
• Climbing Shoes – A climber knows how important a good foothold is and properly fitting climbing shoes can make the difference between a good foothold and a bad one.
• Harness – Once helmet and shoes are in place, the harness is what connects and holds the remainder of the equipment securely. Most modern harnesses are adjustable, enabling the climber comfort as well as security.
• Rope – The climber may not be a climber for very long without a trusty rope and all the rope tools, such as clips, cams and wall nuts etc

If you are just beginning your climbing career or in the process of upgrading all your climbing gear, what are the best ways to get hold of new equipment. Well, there are lots of extreme sports and specialist climbing stores now on the internet, if you enter your search you are bound to discover what you need.

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Rock climbing usually indicates climbing steep rock formations. A climber may or may not choose to use gear and safety equipment used in rock climbing. However, certain crucial gear and equipment is essential and generally used. Rock climbing requires great amount of physical strength, mental control and endurance, along with the knowledge of climbing techniques. Rock climbing is, in general, a dangerous activity and accidents can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.

Originally an outdoor sport, many cities around the world have artificially created, indoor rock climbing venues popularly known as rock climbing gymnasiums. They can be modified to match the skill level needed for outdoor climbing and are increasingly gaining popularity among people. They are introducing new people to this sport, as it is seen safer than the outdoor version.

If the rock climber decides to use climbing gear, it would usually consist of a rope system, tying, belaying and lowering. Alternatively, some climbers use nothing but chalk powder on their hands, to avoid slipping due to perspiration. But for amateur climbers, it is essential to use climbing gear and also to use professional help to learn the tricks and techniques involved in rock climbing. This is required to avoid injuries and fatalities.

It is a common trend for climbers to work in pairs, with one person climbing and the other belaying. Belaying is the technique of controlling the rope such that if a climber falls, he does not fall very far. The belayers job is to feed the rope to the lead climber through a belaying device. The leader is one who climbs up and places protection in a continuous process. At this time, the belayer is ready to arrest the rope, in case the lead climber falls.

Rock climbing is broadly categorized as free climbing, and aid climbing. In free climbing, the climber uses only natural features of rock formation. In aid climbing, artificial device placed in the rocks are used, which support either complete or a part of weightof the climber. Aid climbing is usually practiced on those rock formations, where natural features required for free climbing are not available.

Free climbing is further divided into various categories according to the technique used. Some of them are:
. Traditional Lead Climbing mostly uses removable protection, but fixed protection may also be used at times. The team ascends, with the leader leading them and placing protective devices along the way. The climber, on falling, does not rest on the rope, but begins all over again. Many, as the cleanest style, see this style as the climber following the leader removes the protective devices and thus, hardly leaving any traces along the attempted path.
. Sport Lead Climbing uses pre-placed permanent bolts for protection. So, the leader does not have to carry additional devices and only carries some quick-draws to clip onto the already placed bolts. But this style carries its own risk, as the permanent bolts are likely to get dislodged or decay over a period of time. In case of a fall, the climber usually rests on the rope before beginning again.

In Top Rope Climbing the rope is suspended form the anchor located at the top of a short climb.

Kris Koonar

http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/rock-climbing-techniques-129253.html

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“Work hard, enjoy hard” is the common dictum amongst the adventurers. It is indeed a follow-up of what they say in the army, “the more you sweat in peace the less you bleed in war”. The truth is that there’s no alternative to training, be it army, sports or adventure.

Different activities and sports make specific demands on your body, so it pays to know which muscles you are going to need and how to make them stronger long before you leave home. Adventure holidays don’t come cheap, and you won’t get the most out of your trip if you spend half of it suffering from aching thighs or sore shoulders.

TREKKING

The best preparation is to head for the hills. Go for long weekend walks in Snowdonia, the Lakes or the Scottish Highlands. Gradually increase your pace and take routes that require rambling. Initially, you may feel comfortable to start from a B&B but follow this up with a camping routine. Remember, getting ready from within a tent does require more effort.

In the Himalayas, trekking is often at varied gradient, sometimes over moraine and at times over high altitude. And the pattern of the day will be different, too. You will be up at dawn and on your way before Sun.

Most adventure travel companies have their treks graded from mild, that involves about four to six hours’ walking a day, through moderate with the occasional steep path to expedition grade. Different tour companies use different terms, so read the small print to know what you are letting yourself in for.

Contacts

Ramblers Association organises regular walks all over the country. They also produce a useful handbook and accommodation guide for the UK.
Contact

Essential gear

Comfortable walking boots that you have worn already. I recommend leather over the fabric-panelled, which, in my experience, don’t stay waterproof once the boot is worn in.

Sun glasses or shades to protect the eyes.

Clothing in three layers – thermals, a fleece and a breathable waterproof jacket and trousers.

Mattress or Thermarest inflatable mattress and four-season, down-filled sleeping bag with a full-length zip.

CLIMBING

There are two types of mountain climbing: technical climbing with ropes over rocks, or climbing during trekking over snow and ice at high altitudes. For the Himalayas, you will need to prepare for the effects of high altitude. Most Himalayan climbers now prefer running to get their lungs intake more oxygen and stabilise their pulse beat below their normal rate. You will also need to prepare your upper body, so pull-ups are a good idea. Long distance walking with a rucksack will ready your muscles.

Contacts

British Mountaineering Council for more information about local clubs. Check at sports centres with a climbing wall about tuition. Scotland and Wales are the best places in the UK to practise winter climbing.

Essential gear

Most operators will send a list of gear provided by them and what you must take with you.

Walking boots that you have worn already.

Clothing in three layers – full thermal layer, a good quality fleece and a gortex waterproof jacket and trousers.

CANOEING

Canoeing can be of different types. It is important to consider the type of trip you are doing and in what vessel. Are you going on a long-distance river trip or dealing with technical white water? And will you be in a kayak or a canoe?

For a kayak, that requires sitting with legs forward in a closed-in boat with a double-ended paddle, you’ll need flexible hamstrings to keep sitting comfortably.

For a canoe, where you’ll be kneeling in an open boat with a single-ended paddle, you’ll need a strong lower back and stomach because you are twisting to paddle on either side of the boat.

Few gyms have machines to simulate paddling, but any aerobic-based exercise, such as rowing or running, is good for endurance.

Contacts

The British Canoeing Union for information about local canoeing clubs and courses in the UK.

Essential gear

Sandals but not trainers, as you may have difficulty getting them into a kayak, particularly if you have large feet.

Neoprene socks, if it is cold.

A swimsuit or trunks or quick-dry shorts and a lightweight thermal top.

Eye protection in the form of shades, a peaked cap or both – with a strap to stop them falling off.

Insect repellent — water attracts insects.

DIVING

The first preparation is to take the “Experience Scuba” module of the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) Ocean Diver course. Cost £20 and operates in swimming pools all over the country. BSAC also gives away free lessons during National Try Dive Week generally during September. During these sessions, which last for one or two hours, you’ll learn the underwater signs, how to share air with your “buddy” and practise swimming in full gear.

It’s the lower body — abdominal and hip muscles, the quads and hamstrings — you need to work out, and don’t forget to keep ankles flexible for more productive fin movements.

Most adventurers are put off diving because they are not strong swimmers. BSAC says; you don’t have to be a strong swimmer, it’s all about buoyancy.

Contacts

Call the British Sub-Aqua Club for details of local clubs and courses.

Essential gear

A wet suit

A well-fitting mask is important. Do the suck test: you should be able to “hold” the mask to your face, without using the strap, by just breathing in through your nose.

Wet-suit bootees with a rubber sole should be bought rather than hired. If you have very small or very big feet, buy your own fins, too.

HORSE RIDING

Horse riding is fun but if you haven’t been riding enough, you can stiffen your thigh muscles on the very first day of your riding holiday. It will help if you work those inner thighs before you go. A riding-holiday specialist, recommends “doing the splits”. Stand with your legs as wide apart as is comfortable and hold the stretch for as long as possible to strengthen the thigh muscles, which bear the brunt of the effort on your horse. Exercises that strengthen the back will also be helpful.

It’s important that you are honest about the amount of riding experience you have so that organisers can match your mount to your abilities. In addition, I suggest that beginners should prefer a ranch-based holiday that allows you to return to your comforts, such as baths and massage, every night.

Contacts

The British Horse Society for a list of approved riding schools and companies running UK riding holidays.

Essential gear

Riding boots – for holidays you can take the short riding boots or the new riding trainers unless you have your classic long leather boots.

Non-Specialists can take all-terrain boots, which are lightweight, compact and have some ankle support; but check that the sole is not so rugged that it might get caught in the stirrups.

Trousers – Jodhpurs are still the trousers of choice or Jeans. Novices can wear jogging pants.

Take your own riding gloves. Hard hats are provided by operators but take you own if you have one.

Harish Kohli

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/how-to-prepare-for-an-adventure-holiday-50349.html

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Broadly speaking, rock climbing is an act of ascending rock formations that are steep. Normally, gear and safety equipment especially designed for the climbers use this purpose. Mental control, strength and endurance are very essential in rock climbing, to cope with dangerous and tough physical challenges. It is also vital to have the required knowledge of climbing techniques and know the method of using essential equipment and gear. Although rock climbing is done outdoors, many cities are becoming home to indoor rock climbing gyms that can be used to match the skill level that is needed for outdoor climbing.

Rock climbing is a very exciting sport that involves challenge and a lot of physical exertion. However, it can be very dangerous if it is not done properly. Basically, there are two types of rock climbing:

. Aid climbing- In this type of climbing, gears such as ladders, ropes and bolts are used.

. Free climbing- In this type of climbing, no gear is used except for safety.

You need to use the right gear to make rock climbing easy and safe for you. Some of the basic equipment for rock climbing includes:

Rope, webbing and cord:

Ropes for climbing typically consist of a core of long and twisted fibers and an outer sheath of woven colored fibers. The core provides most of the tensile strength, while sheath acts as a durable layer, protecting the core. It also gives the rope some desirable handling characteristics. The two types of ropes are static and dynamic. Static ropes are not elastic and are usually used to carry or attach equipment. They reduce bounce and make it easy for the person to descend. Dynamic ropes have some elasticity and are used as belay ropes. Webbing is a flat rope without a core. It is made from exceptionally high strength material.

Carabiners:

They are metal loops with spring loaded gates that are used as connectors. Carabiners meant for recreational climbing are made of aluminum alloy. You need to select the shape of carabiners and type of gate, based on your specific requirement. Locking and non-locking carabiners are the two varieties.

Quickdraws:

This equipment is used by the climbers to attach ropes to bolt anchors and allow the rope to run through with less friction. This gear usually consists of two non-locking carabiners that are connected by a pre-sewn, short, loop of webbing.

Harnesses:

The equipment is used for attaching a rope to a person. Most of the harnesses that are used in climbing are worn around the waist, although other harnesses can be worn around the chest or full body. Sports climbers typically use minimalist harnesses, except with sewn gear loops. The Alpine climbers go in for lightweight harnesses with detachable leg loops.

Belay devices:

Belay devices are mechanical friction brake devices used when you are belaying. Belay devices allow careful control of belay ropes. The purpose is to let the rope lock with minimal effort.

Rappel devices (descenders):

These are like friction brake devices designed especially for descending ropes. Some of the belay devices can also be used like descenders. Rappel devices can be used just for descending, since it is not easy to feed rope through to belay.

Kris Koonar

http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/rock-climbing-gear-128616.html

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Ethiopia is a country in Africa that is considered to have played a very vital role in the history of man, having evidences of the earliest forms of humanity in the world. An interesting trivia about Ethiopia is the one where its Emperor Haile Selassie, circa 1952, was considered by the Rastas as the reincarnation of Jesus. If this is your first time to visit Ethiopia, the ten things above are a must-do for you to fully enjoy your stay in the magnificent, wildlife country of Africa, and you are best advised to always have a guide with you especially if you do not know how to speak their language as you could get lost in the wilderness.

1.) Safari

What is the point of going to Africa if you’re not there to see its magnificent wildlife and experience nature at its finest? Safaris can be done by foot or riding a mule. Most tourists though prefer going by jeep or any SUV available to see the wonderful sights a safari trip offers.

2.) Nature trekking or hiking

If you want to rub elbows with Africa’s wildlife in a controlled environment where you might feel safer, you can always visit their national park, the Simien Mountains. You can also ride ponies here for a more natural trekking experience. This is a wonderful experience for nature lovers.

3) Addis Ababa mercato

No one wants to leave a place he visited empty-handed especially if you’re visiting a country as rich in culture, heritage and history as Ethiopia. The mercato holds some of Africa’s best finds. Here, you can find tokens, mementos, native products, everything you want to bring home to remind you of Africa.

4.) Addis Ababa

The country’s capital, here you will find Ethiopia’s history in the National Museum. You can also see its history in its palaces the Menelik and the Jubilee, and the famous Revolution Square. Don’t forget though to visit the Cathedral of St. George and other historical sites in the city.

5.) Aksum

One of the earliest capitals of Ethiopia’s kingdom famous for its obelisks made out of granite is Askum. The architecture alone is breathtaking. To actually wander through one of the world’s best archeological sites is something to look forward to as well.

6.) Tissisat Falls

Also called the Blue Nile, its magnificent falls is postcard perfect and likewise breathtaking. You can go rafting or rapid shooting in some parts of the Blue Nile. If you are in Bahar Dar, the falls is just about approximately twenty or so miles from the place.

7.) Sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing

Ethiopia’s great lakes and rivers allow any tourist to enjoy water sports and recreation during their visit. Guides will be available to show you some of the greatest spots to go. You can indulge yourself in sailing or swimming in Lake Tana.

8.) Caves

Ethiopia also has some of the world’s greatest caving sites. Here, you can explore and discover the earliest signs of human existence in the country. Get to experience even briefly how its ancient people lived.

9.) Nature springs

This is visited for their therapeutic effects on the body. The country’s nature springs are a must when you’re visiting especially after a long trek in the wildlife. Here, you can relax those aching bones and muscles.

10.) Mountain climbing

A spectacular view from the top of the mountain in Africa is something every visitor should experience. You can always try the Bale Plateau for that grand view. Visitors are advised to bring their own gear as no gear is available for rent or sale.

Jonathan Williams

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ten-essential-things-to-do-when-visiting-ethiopia-329438.html

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More and more people from all walks of life in Dallas, Houston and all parts of Texas are becoming enthusiastic about rock climbing. Climbing techniques are evolving, and rock-climbing gear is being redeveloped as this sport continues to gain in popularity. The sport itself can be described as the act of going up a mountain, hill, any steep terrain, or artificial wall. Over the years, more and more people are discovering the joys of climbing – whether as a sport or as a form of recreation.

Over many decades, rock climbing has developed into a major sport or leisure activity for thousands of outdoor sports enthusiasts. Though it is generally a risky sport that demands physical strength and endurance, it poses a different kind of challenge, excitement, and adrenaline rush. This is probably one of the many reasons why a lot of people are so enthusiastic about this activity.

Given the fact that it is physically-demanding and dangerous, you probably wonder why it’s so popular. Here are several reasons why young individuals climb:

o Rock climbing is never boring. There are so many routes to climb, and if you have experienced enough of the crags (or the weather) in your area, there are many more challenging and beautiful walls and crags elsewhere to explore.

o It offers the ultimate physical challenge. Each day on the rock is an opportunity for you to go beyond the skills you already have. You should push yourself each time on the rock. Explore new and more difficult routes. Depending on your physical ability and level of risk acceptance, you will see that no grade is too tough.

o It offers a different sense of adventure and freedom. Most climbers love the sport because of the feeling they get when scaling rocks. Moreover, with this sport, you are able to go wherever and whenever you want.

o You will have a breath-taking view of the beautiful nature and sceneries. When looking for new routes, the climber will come across unexpected and beautiful vistas. In addition, keep in mind that, once you’ve reached the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the surroundings that not many people can see.

People may say to you, “Are you nuts? That is too dangerous!” when they hear about someone who is planning to go rock climbing. But do not let these comments stop you. Once you have done it, you will know why people climb and why so many are addicted to this sport.

However, please be forewarned that rock climbing is a dangerous sport. This can still be true even if you think you have done everything to ensure your safety. And, regardless of all the information you find in books and on the Internet, it’s still wise to learn the essentials from qualified and experienced climbers.

There are different types of rock climbing that can be done indoors on plywood climbing structures, or outdoors on cliffs, thousands of feet high:

o Traditional rock climbing: This sort of climbing is the type you see in movies and in nature documentaries. Connected by a rope, pairs of climbers wearing harnesses scale a rock face carrying racks of specialized equipment. As they go, the climbers place wedges, nuts and other forms of protection from their racks into cracks in the rock. The rope is hooked to these pieces of protection so that, if a climber falls, the rope catches them.

o Sport climbing: It’s like traditional climbing in most respects, except that the protective pieces are permanently bolted into the rock. The climber doesn’t have to carry protection with him/her or place it along the way. This makes sport climbing safer, faster and less expensive than traditional climbing.

o Free solo climbing: Although this version is like sport climbing, it’s the most dangerous because you use no rope. If you fall, you likely die.

o Indoor climbing: This is also like sport climbing, except that climbers scale indoor structures made of plywood or concrete and hold onto artificial handholds/footholds bolted onto the structure. The fact that it is indoors means that the height of the structure is limited by the height of the ceiling in the room. However, there are no weather problems and it is easy to unbolt the handholds and footholds to reconfigure the wall.

o Ice climbing: This sport is more like traditional climbing, except that the climber is scaling an ice formation, such as a frozen waterfall or a glacier, rather than a rock formation. Specialized equipment that can screw into the ice is used instead of the wedges, nuts and cams used on rock formations.

o Bouldering and buildering – Bouldering is like sport climbing, but you are climbing on boulders rather than on cliffs and crags. Because the maximum height of a boulder is typically ten feet or so, bouldering is often done without ropes. Buildering is more urban and involves climbing the sides of chimneys and buildings.

Pat Carpenter

http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/who-wants-to-climb-a-rock-in-texas-130636.html

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